GLENN MCGRATH triggered a spectacular England collapse to send Australia racing towards a two-nil lead in the series.

England were shot out for 227 in just over an hour, leaving Australia to make only 14 to go to Trent Bridge needing to avoid defeat to retain the Ashes.

Mark Waugh closed the innings with a world record 158th catch.

There was no peaceful Sunday morning at Lord's for England when McGrath soon went to work to follow his five-wicket haul in the first innings, sending back Alec Stewart and Ian Ward in successive balls.

Mark Butcher was undone by Jason Gillespie for 83, then Dominic Cork fell to McGrath and England were reeling after four wickets had tumbled in 17 balls for the addition of five runs.

Craig White at least spared England the embarrassment of a second successive innings defeat by boldly thrashing 19 in an over off Gillespie, including four boundaries.

England began the fourth day at 164 for four and looking towards a possible lead of 150 to put some pressure on the Australians, but that ambition was quickly shattered by McGrath.

Stewart, who had punished Mark Waugh for three boundaries in an over when the off-spinner opened the bowling, was pinned lbw for 28 then Ward (0) could not negotiate McGrath's extra bounce and Ricky Ponting launched himself from third slip to take a brilliant catch.

Butcher, seeking his third Test hundred, was caught slashing at his 159th delivery after 229 minutes (12 fours) and after White (27 not out) and Andy Caddick had hit England to 225, Caddick was ninth out taken by Adam Gilchrist off Gillespie.

Gough was claimed at second slip by Waugh to give Gillespie a five-wicket return as England last six batsmen departed for the addition of 39 in 48 balls.